Profile

Research Description

My current research involves the study of microorganisms that metabolise toxic metals and metalloids such as arsenic. The areas I am interested in addressing are: (1) how do microbes use toxic substances for growth (i.e. what is the mechanism)? (2) what is the distribution and abundance of the genes that encode these properties in various environments?; (3) what is the role of these organisms in the cycling of these elements in the environment?; (4) when and how did these metabolic enzymes evolve? and (5) how can we develop the metabolic enzymes as biosensors for the detection of these compounds?

Research Activities

Education Description

I am Degree Tutor for Molecular Biology and course organiser for BIOC2005 (Metabolism and Its Regulation). I teach on four courses including BIOC1007 (Principles and Practice of Experimental Biochemistry),
BIOC1010 (Introduction to Microbiology), BIOC2001 (Molecular Biology) and BIOC2005.